Union Chief Engineer

About the Role

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality work and customer service, and administering the engineering department in alignment with the management team, the C&W engineering platform, and client expectations. The role requires adherence to the highest ethical standards, reflecting the core values of C&W as defined in its Business Code of Conduct and related policies.

The Chief Engineer plans, implements, coordinates, and supervises all mechanical operations, maintenance, communications, energy management, and manpower development programs for assigned properties. The role may include limited hands-on operational duties and watch activity.

Responsibilities

• Supervise engineers and maintenance staff, including hiring, training, and personnel development.
• Ensure performance management, coaching, and development of team members through established HR processes.
• Participate and coordinate annual scheduling and execution of the C&W Safety Program, ensuring 100% compliance at the site.
• Manage operational accounts for the building, including variance reporting, and assist in developing operating and capital budgets.
• Oversee utility management, including tracking use, consumption, cost, reporting, comparison models, sub-metering, and budgeting.
• Conduct regular inspections of building systems and equipment; identify and resolve issues.
• Recommend and implement improvements for preventive maintenance programs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain an effective preventive and predictive maintenance program for task scheduling and performance.
• Develop and maintain building-specific maintenance and safety procedure manuals and train building personnel.
• Coordinate and maintain an Operations Document Library, including construction plans, as-built drawings, MEP schedules, equipment manuals, warranties, and commissioning documents.
• Formulate and conduct building-related systems and equipment training.
• Coordinate maintenance efforts with outside contractors, tenant finish personnel, and engineers.
• Oversee all building systems, including fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical; stay current with HVAC technology trends.
• Maintain ongoing communication with tenants, clients, property management, and vendors.
• Develop specifications and assist in solicitation, administration, and performance of maintenance/repair service contracts.
• Respond to emergencies (fire, evacuation, equipment failure) and customer concerns.
• Implement and administer inventory control programs and purchase parts and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, government agency requirements, and company directives.
• Support the Property or Facility Manager with rehabilitation projects (e.g., HVAC replacement, roof installation, plumbing repairs).
• Prepare and present feasibility studies, budget estimates, schedules, and contract documents.
• Manage the bidding process, monitor construction progress, and coordinate work with users and internal support groups.
• Maintain complete project files, perform final inspections, and expedite corrective actions.
• Perform operating engineer duties (approximately 50% of the role), including shift work and on-call or stand-by duties.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• 7+ years of related work experience in a commercial property setting or equivalent education/experience in the operation, installation, and maintenance of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and control systems).
• Vocational/technical training certificate.
• Appropriate license/permit for trade (e.g., Journeyman or Master Electrician License, City Licenses, Universal Technician for CFCs).
• Financial knowledge for reading and understanding budgets, budget variances, and basic reporting.
• Familiarity with Energy Management Systems (EMS)/programming and fire alarm systems.
• Basic computing skills in Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Working knowledge of building systems, contractual maintenance, construction, and local laws/building codes.

Skills

• Communication Proficiency (oral and written).
• Interpersonal Skills.
• Organization Skills.
• Technical Proficiency.
• Leadership.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Regular travel between properties in varying weather conditions is required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stoop, stand, climb, and frequently lift a minimum of 50 lbs. of equipment (e.g., pumps, tools, ladders).
• Regularly crouch and reach to install/move equipment by bending forward at the waist or bending legs and spine.
• Movement between departments, floors, and properties to facilitate work.
• Ability to speak clearly and read/understand information presented orally and in writing.
• Regularly utilize vision abilities to read printed material, drawings, and schematics.

Benefits

Cushman & Wakefield provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, including:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Life and disability insurance programs.
• Paid and unpaid time away from work.

Pay

The compensation offered will depend on factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements. The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.